Running down a dream…

I was a relatively fit person until the the babies happened. I say “happened” because they happened quickly and much closer together than my body (or mind) had prepared for! Two kids and two unplanned c-sections in under two years left me feeling literally sliced in two. Then when my husband ran his 4th marathon this past November, I felt inspired (if you’ve ever watched one of these things you know what I mean). So, silly me decided to enter the lottery for the NYC Half Marathon, thinking I’d never get in as almost 36,000 people apply for only 9500 spots. Well, you can probably guess what happened. I. Got. The F. In.

Immediate panic hit me. How was I supposed to run 13.1 miles when I could barely make it through one without feeling like dying would definitely be a more practical choice than this torture?! The truth is, I had been looking for something in my life. Something I could do away from the kids and my work and my husband. Something to gain my strength back for my body as well as my mind. Realistically, that could have been a weekly yoga class or something like that. I didn’t really anticipate it being running for two hours straight!

My sister Alex, the closet optimist, unknowingly gave me the courage I needed. She said, “it’s a sign that you got in.” A sign from wherever in the Universe I had been sending all my inner turmoil over how hard it is to take care of two young kids. To not have a single moment to yourself. To feel like you’re doing the hardest job you’ve ever done, yet don’t get paid, can’t eat or shower or sleep. Or go to the bathroom. Well, the pitty party Gods must have heard me, because now I was hand delivered an invitation to a lot of Me time.

I started training the first week of January, running four days a week in the weest hours of the morning in the dark, in the snow, in the freezing and windy Brooklyn cold. My husband willingly took on breakfast and getting ready for school duty as well as arranging his entire work schedule around my training schedule. And I started. One mile at a time. Now, two and a half months later I ran 12.5 miles last Saturday in my last long run before the race. And I realized that I have found what I was looking for.

Many women who raise children and work from home can probably empathise. When you spend the majority of the hours of your day taking care of other people, you can really begin to resent the lack of time spent taking care of yourself. Now, I feel like I get to do something that is only about me. I listen to what I want, I run wherever I choose and I get to think only about myself and my body, even if only for an hour. And it has changed everything.

This morning I did my last 6 mile loop of Central Park before the race on March 20th, and got a very pleasant surprise. Someone (possibly the infamous NYC street artist De La Vega) left the message “Become Your Dream” in chalk every 100 feet or so around the park. Thank you mysterious chalk writer. Because I am.

Comments

Ditto for me! I feel like I could have written this myself! 3 kids in 28 months and my body was as tight as a koosh ball. The thrill, accomplishment and journey of running my first 1/2 in September 2010 was unmatched by anything else I’ve ever done. The journey continues for me as I am trying (albeit not as diligently) for my second 1/2 next month. Thanks for sharing!

Ditto for me! I feel like I could have written this myself! 3 kids in 28 months and my body was as tight as a koosh ball. The thrill, accomplishment and journey of running my first 1/2 in September 2010 was unmatched by anything else I’ve ever done. The journey continues for me as I am trying (albeit not as diligently) for my second 1/2 next month. Thanks for sharing!
ps – I applied for the NYC 1/2 but didn’t get in 🙁

Good for you and I feel you. Although my son is 12, the pressures of life, entrepreneurship, and single motherhood heled me find running last year. A way to completely disconnect and reconnect with me. Happy for you, maybe we will cross paths at the race. Good luck! This is my first race too.

You are truly inspiring! I just read your “About Me” section and I have so much more hope that blogging and vlogging will take me where I want to go. I started running again after my 3rd child with the Couch to 5k Running Plan and it was so much fun. I am a better mom when I’m running. I think runners high has the same effects on the brain as serotonin so it makes me less irritable, happy, etc. I’m ready for the spring so I can get back out there and run!

Dude, we are on that same path! I too had 2 under 2 and was totally out of shape from it. I signed up to do the San Diego Rock n’ Roll half marathon to give me the motivation to get in shape and back to myself again, and it’s working. Good luck on the run this weekend! I’ll be thinking about you! You can totally do it!!!

This is wonderful inspiration because I did the same crazy thing, only I put my name in the lottery for the full marathon. Training is going well, but wow, it is really demanding a lot of me. Honestly though, my body is in much better shape and so are a lot of other things. My business, my house, my time with my kids and my relationship are all better because training finally required me to time manage and structure my time. I no longer work, play with the kids, and try to clean the house all at the same time. Everything is planned out the night before and I work to be present in all that I do. I don’t usually succeed 100% (Like right now, I am supposed to be making dinner, playing with kids, and setting up work appointments…) but it is getting better.
Thanks for the inspiration. It is a great accomplishment you have achieved! Keep running and keep writing!!

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We are Jenna & Lisa, educators and moms to toddlers and teens. On our site, you will find honest reviews of the latest products on the market, engaging activities to do with your kids, recipes, fashion, travel tips & more! We hope you find everything you are looking for and more on Savvy Sassy Moms!